5 Facts I Wish I Knew Before Attending UC San Diego

Upon entering my senior year in high school, my heart and mind were set on attending college in my home state. After growing up in Ventura County, I knew that Southern California was the right destination for me. Following what seemed like months of campus visits, overwhelming selections, and countless applications, I received acceptance to one of my top choices, the UC San Diego.

In all honesty, I had only visited San Diego one time during my childhood, and that was for an exhausting weekend family trip to Legoland and the SD Zoo. Aside from that, I really knew nothing about the city, and even less about UCSD. Not to say that I made my enrollment arrangements on a whim- I definitely did some preliminary research. But beyond my recognition of the substantial academic regards and ideal geographical location, I had no other experiences to base my decision on.

1.) Division II Who Knew? 

As a former athlete and lifelong sports fan, I was extremely disappointed to learn that UC San Diego has no football team. This is partially due to the university’s current status as an NCAA Division II participant. Student spirit tends to peak during the Spirit Night Rally, held once a year at the RIMAC training facility on campus. However, I never had the feeling that students and faculty were united by a contagious athletic spirit, and I wish that UCSD’s athletic profile had a broader base and national recognition.

2.) Parking Is A Nightmare 

The actual number of open parking spaces is massively disproportionate to the number of parking passes made available for students to purchase. Campus organizations have circulated petitions for parking reform, to no avail. Coveted “Student” spots are inherently hard to come by. Most undergrads end up parking in deserted lots on the outskirts of campus, or on residential streets. Needless to say, there is much more walking than driving. Passes are sold at the beginning of each quarter.

3.) Secret Running Trails and Challenge Courses 

In the middle of campus behind the Geisel Library, there is a patch of land completely covered in trees. It has a couple of street-entrance points, but most students walk on the pavement around it.  About a year ago, I had some time in between lectures and I decided to venture “into the woods”. I happily discovered multiple hand carved paths: one that circulated to the edge of campus right above the track, and another that led to an open field with a vertical Challenge Course standing at about 100 feet or so.

4.) On-Campus Weekly Farmer’s Markets 

During my first week of classes in 2011, I remember leaving the bookstore one morning and noticing crowds of people outside the back entrance of the Price Center. Within moments, I smelled an array of tantalizing scents, and saw that multiple vendor tents had been set up. When I spotted a giant sign that read “Farmer’s Market Today” I smiled for stumbling upon this unexpected treat. As it turns out, the UCSD Farmer’s Market returns to campus every Tuesday. Typical hours are around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. It is a wonderful way for students, professors, and visitors to support local business, and enjoy some incredibly delicious food as well. 

5.) San Diego Sightseeing and Hiking Spots 

During my initial tour of University of California San Diego the student guide led my group across the campus while explaining general facts about the University. After an hour or so, I felt pretty well versed in foundational history, building layouts, and the yearly Sun God Festival. But I was most excited to hear about the close proximity to La Jolla Shores beach- about a twenty minute walk from the west side of campus, and even quicker by car or shuttle. I had no idea that I would have access to other geographical gems. 

As it turns out, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is literally a few hundred feet away from the northwest edge of campus. The uniquely formed cliffs reach right out over the ocean, and the glistening water below is the perfect backdrop for sunset admiration.  The port has a launch space for hang gliding, and I adored the times when I was able to see the sky fill up with multicolored parachutes. In addition, the Torrey Pines National Reserve is only a few miles away. The view is stunning, and the space is perfect for light hiking, running and walking.

Overall, I am greatly appreciative of the amount of academic knowledge that I have gained at the University of California, San Diego, but these are five of the things I absolutely wish I had known before I started.

Hannah Guthman graduated from the University of California San Diego in 2015 with a B.A. in Communication. She is currently living in Southern California while pursuing a career in writing.